In the first of a two-game series between the Atlanta Braves (4-14) and the Boston Red Sox (9-9) at Turner Field, Julio Teheran (0-2, 5.64 ERA) and Rick Porcello (3-0, 4.66 ERA) get the start. The Braves go into this series looking to snap a five-game losing streak. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Monday, Apr. 25 and will air on NESN and FSSO.
In his most recent outing, Teheran pitched 5.1 innings, allowing two runs and striking out three in a 5-3 loss to the Dodgers. Nick Markakis (.303, 8 Rs, 14 RBIs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 3 for 5 with one RBI. The Red Sox were victorious the last time Porcello pitched. He tossed 7.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out nine and walking one in a 7-3 victory over the Rays. David Ortiz (.295, 8 Rs, 3 HRs, 14 RBIs, 1 SB) has been doing well offensively for the Red Sox, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one run.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Braves have a SU record of 8-9 against the American League. Over their past 10 games, Atlanta’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. Over their past 10 games, Atlanta’s pitchers have been playing lights out, only allowing 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0.
When playing Interleague competitors, the Red Sox have a 4-14 record SU. They sport the fifth-ranked offense in the AL, averaging 0.0 runs per game. Boston is one of the top hitting teams in the league, converting .277 of their at-bats for hits. The Red Sox have racked up 15 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. Boston’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0.
Predictions: SU Winner – BOS
Notes
The Braves managed to give up four walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Red Sox who are coming in with a 5-3 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Braves are 1-8. The Red Sox have a 1-5 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 30th in home runs, Atlanta has hit three this season. Boston ranks 25th with 13 home runs.
Ranking 23rd, Atlanta is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.83 per game. Boston ranks in the top five at third with 9.41.
Ranking first in on-base plus slugging percentage, Atlanta has an OPS of .000 this season. Boston ranks 10th with an OPS of .770.
The Red Sox are 6-8 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Braves are 1-9 when they allow at least one homer.
